When long-time Ivanhoe locals Graeme and Catherine, decided it was time to downsize, they weren’t necessarily in a rush.&nbsp;

Like many in their stage of life, they had started thinking about apartment living, but anticipated making the shift in two to three years.

That timeline changed when they visited <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/candela-ivanhoe-40-upper-heidelberg-road-ivanhoe">Candela</a>, a new boutique development by <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/salter-brothers">Salter Brothers</a>. The project ticked all the boxes they were looking for: location, quality design, and long-term lifestyle benefits, which prompted them to bring their decision forward.

“It was the right place at the right time,” they said. “We knew immediately it ticked all the boxes, and we didn’t want to wait.”

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Their decision to downsize was driven by a combination of practical needs and lifestyle considerations. Their existing home, while much loved, had become increasingly difficult to maintain. It spanned multiple levels, included extensive front and back gardens, and was starting to show the wear that comes with age.&nbsp;

They were looking for a more manageable lifestyle, one with less upkeep and more freedom. A brand-new apartment with no maintenance requirements and the ability to simply “lock up and leave” gave them peace of mind and a greater sense of control over their future.

Financially, the purchase made sense as well. The available stamp duty savings, strong price-to-value offering, and timing of the settlement suited their plans, making the transition smoother and more cost-effective. The apartment's design and inclusions further supported their choice.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=342 project_image_fid=357493]

The layout was both functional and flexible: three bedrooms, a butler’s pantry, a separate laundry, and a large open-plan living area. It gave them the freedom to host a family, accommodate guests, or set up a home office. The expansive balcony and elevated views added to the appeal, providing a sense of openness and connection to the outdoors.

“It just had a really good flow,” Catherine noted, something they found lacking in many other apartments they’d considered, particularly in the established market.

Candela’s boutique scale was another deciding factor. With a smaller number of residences and a top-floor penthouse position, the couple felt the development offered the privacy and space they were looking for, without feeling isolated.

“We liked that it wasn’t a huge development. It felt well-balanced, modern but still with a sense of community, not overwhelming,” they said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=342 project_image_fid=357508]

Equally important was the ability to remain in Ivanhoe, a suburb they know well and have deep roots in. After 46 years in the area, proximity to local parks, shops, and familiar faces mattered just as much as the apartment itself.

“We didn’t want to give up the community we’ve known for decades. Candela allowed us to upgrade our lifestyle while staying in the place we call home.”

With a Walk Score of 90, the village location supports a convenient, connected lifestyle. <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/ivanhoe-vic-3079">Ivanhoe</a> Station is just a eight-minute walk away, and the neighbourhood offers access to parks, cafes, restaurants, and schools along Upper Heidelberg Road, all within easy reach.

Beyond the apartment, the couple also saw value in the broader vision for Candela, one that integrates residential living with public spaces and local amenities.&nbsp;

The development introduces 58 new apartments as well as a mix of commercial and social spaces that integrate contemporary architecture with the suburb’s existing character.&nbsp;

At ground level, residents will find a charming café and a lifestyle wellness centre, perfect for unwinding and rejuvenating. Meanwhile, the rooftop garden offers a stunning vantage point for residents to enjoy breathtaking sunsets, host gatherings, or enjoy barbecues with family and friends. It's not just a place to live; it's a vibrant community where every moment is an opportunity to connect and create lasting memories.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=342]

Staff Writer

Why Ivanhoe locals are choosing to downsize to Candela

Mark and Roy Makari are expanding their presence in Sydney’s South West with a second major proposal for Leppington, this time envisioning a 900-dwelling mixed-use development just 850 metres from their previously lodged tower trio on Fifth Avenue.

Project management and construction management firm Creative Vision filed the plans for the&nbsp;multi-building project at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/230-rickard-road-leppington-nsw-2179">230 Rickard Road, Leppington</a>. The proposal seeks to establish a new focal point for the precinct through a high-density, transit-oriented development supported by diverse land uses.

According to the Scoping Report prepared for the Department of Planning, the scheme includes around 900 apartments across multiple towers, including 135 dwellings designated for affordable housing. A mix of market and subsidised apartments will be supported by ground-level activation through retail and office space, a childcare centre, and a hotel, forming a comprehensive urban precinct.

<img alt="Mixed Use Development 230 Rickard Rd Leppington" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="34797362-f3dc-4d84-8235-2657fc5f3bde" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Plan.png?VersionId=Uzckrz9tUpDQl5lX1_WMhjnv16bsr8wG" />

The Design Report by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/studiosc-0">Studio SC</a> notes that the project “intends to deliver a high-quality, high-density built form that supports the vision for the Leppington Town Centre, integrating mixed-use outcomes and public domain upgrades.” The development is expected to be delivered in stages, although a precise timeline is yet to be confirmed.

The project will be assessed through a future State Significant Development Application, with the Scoping Report indicating the team will seek design excellence via a competitive process or through an expert design review panel. Early massing diagrams suggest a series of mid- to high-rise buildings framing a central landscaped spine, with emphasis on pedestrian permeability and public space.

The planning documentation flags a strong sustainability agenda, stating that the development will “respond to the urban heat island effect, incorporate water sensitive urban design, and prioritise active transport”.

<img alt="Mixed Use Development 230 Rickard Rd Leppington" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="369d7b54-1279-4cde-88ec-dcb215594414" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Podium_1.png?VersionId=QArL7B2kkLt63vl5xvL0FNV_ardAlez4" />

The proposal follows in the footsteps of the Makaris’ nearby Fifth Avenue site, where they’ve submitted plans for three towers comprising nearly 500 apartments, with 10 per cent dedicated to affordable housing. That project features commercial podiums, a childcare centre, and a new public park that would occupy more than a third of the site.

Both developments are situated within walking distance of Leppington Train Station and fall under strategic precinct plans promoting higher density housing. The town centre is undergoing substantial transformation, driven by state government planning reforms aimed at fast-tracking housing delivery.

Together, the two projects represent a combined ambition of nearly 1,400 new homes across just under two kilometres of central Leppington.

First look: 900-home mixed-use precinct planned for Leppington

Leading Australian integrated property development group, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/aqualand-australia">Aqualand</a>, has released the signature penthouses crowning its landmark AURA by Aqualand precinct at 168 Walker Street in North Sydney, unveiling Il Magnate and La Divina as the largest and most luxurious penthouses in the suburb.

With prices anticipated to commence from $15 million, and each accompanied by a new Porsche Carrera 911 valued at over $500K, the residences mark the culmination of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/aura-by-aqualand-north-sydney-168-walker-street-north-sydney-nsw-2060">AURA by Aqualand</a>’s decade-long journey and the beginning of its final sales chapter. 
&nbsp; 
Their release follows more than $850 million in record-breaking residential sales and the building’s completion and occupation.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=30959 project_image_fid=358868]

The Richards Stanisich-designed 284 sqm Il Magnate and 224 sqm La Divina penthouses, collectively known as The Icons of AURA, are conceived as grand luxury homes rather than apartments, with expansive proportions, elevated materiality and curated identities that reflect their status as one-off residences.&nbsp;

Il Magnate features a grande master suite, complete with substantial walk-in dressing area and ensuite, three other bedrooms, second ensuite and another bathroom, powder room, open plan kitchen, scullery, substantial dining area and generous living room divided by a feature fireplace, and a multifunction wintergarden, which is ideal for a study and adjoining office breakout space. &nbsp;

Meanwhile, the La Divina residence offers the same amenities, sans the powder room, on a slightly smaller alternate floor plan configuration.

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Each occupies half of AURA by Aqualand’s topmost 28th level, comes with four secure car spaces and pairs sweeping Sydney Harbour panoramas with large-scale living spaces, refined detailing and a level of craftsmanship and amenity rarely offered in the North Shore market.&nbsp;

Penthouse residents will also receive Etymon’s ‘Black Key’ private concierge and lifestyle management service, an invitation only offering providing the ultimate in bespoke personalisation, including a range of everyday discrete services, from dinner party management, grocery deliveries, pet feeding or plants watered, dinners, snacks and coffee deliveries, event ticket sourcing, right up to organising travel visas and international airfares. Rarely seen in Australian properties, the service provides residents the benefits of living in a world-class luxury hotel-style home, akin to The Ritz, or the Waldorf Astoria.

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<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/richards-stanisich">Richards Stanisich</a>’s Director, Kirsten Stanisich, said the studio set out to craft residences that feel profoundly considered, contemporary and deeply connected to their setting.

“From the outset, we approached these penthouses with the sensibility of a grand Parisian residence - generous in scale, elegant in proportion and designed to feel more like a handcrafted home than an apartment," Stanisich said.

“Their elevated position and sweeping harbour outlook informed every decision, creating a rare connection between urban sophistication and natural calm. We shaped each space with expressive materiality, sculptural forms and bespoke detailing that invite touch and interaction.&nbsp;

“The result is a pair of residences defined by volume, light and an inherent softness - refined, flexible and deeply personal. These penthouses are unlike anything else in North Sydney, offering a sanctuary of true luxury framed by some of the city’s most remarkable views.”

For Aqualand’s Head of Sales &amp; Marketing, Alex Adams, the collaboration with Porsche underscores the shared ethos behind the residences.

“Aqualand’s collaboration with Porsche underpins both brand’s sharing an obsession with craftsmanship, design excellence, and enduring value," Adams said.

“Our penthouses are created for those who appreciate the finer details and expect the extraordinary at every touchpoint. Including a Porsche simply extends that experience beyond the residence - it’s a continuation of the lifestyle our buyers already live.”&nbsp;

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Aqualand’s Managing Director, Jin Lin, said the penthouses represent both the pinnacle of AURA by Aqualand and an important design benchmark for the company’s future pipeline.&nbsp;

“These stunning penthouses reflect the purest expression of Aqualand’s design ambition," Lin said.

“The unparalleled design intent makes them not only the glistening crown of AURA by Aqualand, but the crown of North Sydney itself. They’re essentially a thank you gift to a burgeoning community that deserves this level of quality and architectural consideration.&nbsp;

“We’re leveraging the unrivalled standard set here as the foundation for what comes next, including our upcoming Anderson Street, Chatswood; 15 Blue Street, North Sydney and Central Barangaroo projects. Purchasers of these penthouses will essentially be living inside the blueprint of Aqualand’s future.

“These landmark residences demonstrate how far North Sydney has evolved and the strength of demand for highly curated, bespoke luxury homes. They’re more than penthouses, they’re legacy residences.&nbsp;

“With AURA by Aqualand now a thriving new precinct with residents well and truly settled, and our in-house world-class lifestyle amenity activated, Il Magnate and La Divina represent a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to secure an extraordinary piece of North Sydney’s future.”

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Joel Robinson

Aqualand launches North Sydney penthouses with free Porsche Carrera 911

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/bokarina-qld-4575">Bokarina</a> Beach has quietly evolved into one of the Sunshine Coast’s most complete coastal lifestyle precincts, defined not just by proximity to the ocean, but by how residential living, local retail and everyday amenity are stitched together.&nbsp;

Gardner Vaughan Group’s <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/bask-bokarina-38-bokarina-boulevard-bokarina-qld-4575">Bask Bokarina</a> now represents the final residential chapter in that transformation.

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Over recent years, the Bokarina Beach precinct has taken shape as a walkable, community-oriented neighbourhood, anchored by beachfront access, Lake Kawana to the west, and a growing mix of cafés, specialty retail and public open space.&nbsp;

With Zinc Bokarina already delivered next door by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/gardner-vaughan-group">Gardner Vaughan Group</a> (GVG), Bask is the last opportunity to buy a brand new apartment within the precinct, effectively rounding out a fully formed coastal village.

GVG has positioned Bask to strengthen that lifestyle framework. Ten ground-floor retail spaces are planned beneath the residences, extending Bokarina Boulevard’s existing activity and reinforcing the area’s everyday convenience, from casual dining and coffee to local services, within a short walk of the beach.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=141609 project_image_fid=333359]

The residential component comprises 135 apartments across two buildings, Mydas and Caretta, with a clear shift toward larger three- and four-bedroom layouts and penthouses. That mix reflects a maturing buyer profile in Bokarina, where demand is increasingly led by owner-occupiers and active downsizers seeking space, permanence, and connection to place rather than short-term coastal accommodation.

Design and amenity have followed the same logic. Residents will have access to a heated plunge pool, gym, private dining room with a full kitchen, landscaped communal gardens with barbecues and a firepit, and a shared herb and vegetable garden, facilities intended to support daily use rather than resort-style turnover. Pet-friendly features, including a dog wash bay, acknowledge both buyer expectations and the area’s dog-friendly beach, located around 250 metres from the site.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=141609 project_image_fid=333366]

“Bokarina has become one of the Sunshine Coast’s most desirable beachside communities, and Bask represents the very last chance to buy new in this location,” GVG Director Sam Gardner said.&nbsp;

“Our focus has been to create spacious, functional apartments that meet the needs of locals who want to downsize without compromise, as well as those seeking a full-time coastal retreat.”

Positioned between the Pacific Ocean and Lake Kawana, Bask apartments have been oriented to capture outlooks toward the water or the Glass House Mountains, reinforcing the project’s connection to its natural surroundings. With parks, beachfront paths, hospitals, retail and public transport already in place, Bask arrives at a point where the broader precinct is no longer emerging, but established.

Construction is expected to complete in Q3 this year, with apartments ready to move into this Spring.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=141609]

Bask to complete Bokarina’s Sunshine Coast lifestyle precinct as final apartments are released

Property development giant <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/avid-property-group">AVID Property Group</a> is approaching completion, and sell-out, of its Surry Hills apartment development, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-rathbone-23-47-flinders-street-surry-hills-nsw-2010">The Rathbone</a>.

The Flinders St project has sold well over half of its 32 apartments, which will sit above two retail spaces.

Now hitting the market are the final 14 one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments, which start from $1.15 million. AVID is targeting a mid-2026 completion.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5947 project_image_fid=51208]

AVID General Manager New South Wales Danny Boubli said as more apartments are introduced to increase housing options in inner-city areas, homebuyers are searching for a &nbsp;sense of belonging in addition to location, convenience and value.&nbsp;

“There are very few opportunities for new developments in Surry Hills, and since acquiring the site, we’ve even seen one early purchaser merge two apartments plans together, reflecting the demand for a spacious, premium offering in a prime location,” Boubli said.&nbsp;

“Demand has been strong since we launched to market – we don’t see these final apartments staying on the market for long.”&nbsp;

Architectural firm Studio SC has designed the building which pays homage to the former 1900s Rathbone Terraces that once sat on the 990 sqm island site.

Boubil said the team has made every effort to create "truly liveable apartments", through&nbsp;functional floor plans, security, storage, and the inclusion of quality fittings.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5947 project_image_fid=51207]

&nbsp;

Sustainable design has also been implemented throughout the development, with natural light flooding each apartment, ventilation throughout, extensive landscaping and where possible, materials with a high level of recycled content and low volatile organic compound paints have been used. &nbsp;

Apartments range in size from 57 sqm for the one-bedrooms to the large-scale 165 sqm three-beds which are priced at $2,575,000.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=5947]

AVID launches final apartments at The Rathbone, Surry Hills

Office Space

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2020 was set to present an opportunity for investors to capitalise on lucrative growth potential in the Australian middle markets office space, according to Colliers International. 
Colliers’ Office Middle Markets Transaction Review for 2019, found that current investment opportunities available in the $10 million - $100 million range which comprises the Middle Markets Office space, offers investors a competitive yield in the current rental landscape and strong value-growth potential. 
There were 154 transactions in the middle market’s office space in 2019, totalling $4.7 billion. Despite metro markets recording significantly more transactions (103 Transactions, totalling 67% of assets, compared to 51 CBD assets; 33%), CBD Assets were the star performers with an average yield of 4.89% and average capital value of $7,904 per square metres. 
By contrast, Metro assets recorded a 6.23% yield and capital value of $5,638 per square metres. 
According to Colliers's analysis, the 2019 track record suggests that middle markets will offer large institutional clients including REITs, Syndicates, Unlisted and Wholesale fund purchases, as well as private investors, the opportunity to invest and capitalise on this currently untapped sector of the office market. 
“Transactions from 2019 indicate that the tightening yields in the office sector have not yet affected the Middle Markets space, when compared to office assets valued at over $100 million,” said Matt Meynell, Head of Investment Services at Colliers International.  
“This is being seen across all Australian capital cities in both the CBD and fringe/metro office markets; however, the geographic trend becomes most obvious when comparing the tight CBD office market to the Metro Markets nationally.” 
The active purchasers in the Office Middle Markets space throughout 2019 include Charter Hall, and Centuria with four acquisitions, ESR with three and Collective Capital, Australian Unity Property Income Fund acquiring two assets each throughout 2019.  
These acquisitions totalled $675m in transaction value and achieving an average yield of 6.42%. 
 
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wdavis-8cCN98p7xp

Office market shows signs of growth-potential in 2020; Colliers International

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The increasing migration of flexible office space to areas outside of major metropolitan cities globally is creating a ‘flex economy’ that could contribute more than $11.5 billion AUD to local Australian economies, according to a first of its kind Regus study.
They found an individual business centre in Australia would create 222 permanent jobs at a national level (ranking seventh highest out of the 19 countries analysed) and 122 net local jobs.
In Australia, an average business centre will generate $31.21 million AUD in GVA per annum, with $16.87 million AUD going into local economies.
Time saved by employees avoiding the commute would be 8,105 hours per hour, this equates to roughly 337 days or 48 weeks.
By 2029, this means over 80,000 jobs created within business centres across the nation, providing net additional employment opportunities for local residents amounting to over 44,000 jobs, alongside $11.5 billion AUD of annual value, of which $5.99 billion AUD would be retained by local economies.
Steve Lucas of Development Economics, and report author, said “this study reveals a shift in jobs and capital-growth moving outside of city centres, where it has been focused for the last few decades, into suburban locations."
"This can benefit businesses and people, from improving productivity and innovation, to reducing commuting time, which leads to improved health and wellbeing” he said.
Read the <a href="https://www.regus.com/suburban-economic-survey" target="_blank">full report here</a>.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Flexible workspaces to contribute $11.5 billion to local Australian economies: Regus

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SPONSORED POST
Designing a workplace that meets the needs of a diverse workforce is a challenge. What appeals to Millennials may not appeal to Baby Boomers when it comes to a functional work environment. In the 80s we saw the rise of the ‘cubicle farm’, which slowly but surely has faded out to the now open plan layouts that we see in offices. However, to accommodate for different working styles, whether they are generational needs or personal preferences, companies need to provide alternative working areas within an office that go beyond the employee’s desk. The overall design of an office has a major impact on employee productivity and wellbeing, so how do we take all of these factors into account when fitting out an office space?
The Layout
Different generations have different needs when it comes to effective working environments, so how can we design work spaces that cater to such a widespread demographic? In recent years we have seen a shift towards open plan offices, with 70 percent of companies opting for this type of layout. However, according to research conducted in 2019 by Savills titled ‘What Workers Want’, 30% of employees find that this type of layout has a negative impact on their productivity.
Buildings, a journal published by MDPI, found that perceived productivity in open-plan offices was impacted by seven factors including: amount of interruption, noise levels, work area aesthetics, furnishing, cleanliness, ability to adapt the work area, and personal control over lighting levels.  
These are factors that Associate Director of Project Management at Savills, Simon Gazeley, takes into consideration when working with a client to fit out an office space. “Starting by surveying your staff to understand what works and what can be improved upon, plus setting up focus groups to steer the design is highly beneficial to the process. By understanding your peak occupancy ratio, you can release space for alternative settings rather than empty workstations,” Mr Gazeley commented.
For different industries, different layouts will benefit the employees and their overall productivity. For those working in offices where employees are constantly taking phone calls, one-person quiet rooms are beneficial to minimise the distraction to others. Whereas for creative industries where staff are frequently collaborating, less formal, flexible spaces are more appropriate for productivity, rather than staff brainstorming around a boardroom table. “Optimise the building’s attributes by creating focus areas in the darker and quieter spaces, with a variety of furniture settings from high tables, booths, lounge chairs, acoustic screens and the like,” Mr Gazeley said. 
For Millennials in particular, restrictive work environments are perceived by many to hinder their ability to work effectively, so common-use spaces are a real asset when it comes to optimising productivity. “Providing a variety of work settings for different tasks, whilst being cognisant of ensuring equitable access where the office is not fully agile is key to limiting disruption to others, whilst boosting productivity,” Mr Gazeley said. 
Key findings from the ‘What Workers Want’ study by Savills indicated that within the workplace, employees place the greatest value on having the option to work in a variety of spaces, and being provided with quality IT infrastructure. The same study revealed that above all other factors, 37% of employees were dissatisfied with the provision of quiet spaces within their workplace. 
The Technology 
New trends and updates to technology occur frequently – what once seemed like a novelty has become an integral part of daily life, and more so a part of working life. With a heavy reliance on technology, it makes sense to incorporate technology into the design of an office space. However Mr Gazeley points out that with all technology implemented, it should be planned for change and upgrade as it quickly becomes superseded and improved. 
The relationship between technology and architecture has been dubbed ‘Techiture’, with technology embedded in inanimate objects. By digitising buildings, we are able to gather data on the trends of the people who inhabit them. An article by the Kinnarps Trend Report points out that this enables architects to see how employees use the different spaces in their offices. “This is a game changer for the design and construction industry when it comes to designing workplaces that are tailored to the staff, and upgrading or reconfiguring spaces that are not well utilised,” Mr Gazeley said. 
The Wellness Factor
With the average person spending one third of their life at work, we are seeing employers placing greater value on overall employee wellness. While most employers offer their staff discounted health or mental health benefits, research shows that the physical working environment has the biggest impact on overall wellness. With many considerations to take into account, the WELL Building Standard has been established to ensure employee wellbeing is met. Seven factors are taken into account including air, water, nourishment, light, fitness, comfort, and mind. 
Studies have shown that simple factors such as adequate lighting positively impacts employee mood and productivity. According to research conducted by global management software company, Ceridian, dimly lit areas have a negative impact on the brain, with employees who work in poorly lit spaces more likely to suffer from poor moods. “In developing buildings and designing fit-outs, access to daylight or views such as atriums are highly desirable. Built zones tend to be located in NLA farthest from the perimeter, whilst circadian rhythm lighting is currently cost prohibitive in many workplaces, good human centred lighting design should always be adhered to,” Mr Gazeley said. 
The Australian HR Institute says poor air quality reduces cognitive ability and leads to employees feeling fatigued and even suffering from headaches. Air quality can be easily improved by having greenery in the workplace, plus plants also help to absorb noise pollution.  We are seeing nature brought indoors with the trend of vertical gardens and greenery walls taking off, with Gazeley agreeing that Landscape Architects are becoming a key consultant in many large workplace design teams. 
An alternative way to bring the outdoors in is by using natural textures and materials, which is also shown to have a positive impact on wellbeing. Using different types of timbers and incorporating natural lighting is said to make the indoor environment have a calming effect on people. Research is indicating that highly productive workplace design predominately embraces organic shapes intended to bring spaces together without visual barriers. 
Working ergonomics seamlessly into the design of an office space is important not just for aesthetic reasons, but because being seated for prolonged periods of time has a negative impact on a person’s health. The comfort factor of the WELL Building Standard considers different working areas, and places value on ergonomics. “While sit-to-stand workstations may not last the test of time, as workspaces become more agile they represent current best practice when combined with other initiatives to ensure an active workforce. As the cost premium is reducing, we are seeing the ratio increase in current fit-outs,” Mr Gazeley said. 2019 Research by Savills indicates that 6% of employees prefer to work at a standing desk. 
Companies are starting to introduce designated recharging or wellness spaces into their offices, with Google and the Huffington Post going as far as providing high tech sleep pods. With employees clocking up an estimated 90,000 hours at work in their lifetime, providing a space where they can recharge for 20 minutes will be a benefit to how employees utilise their time overall. A wellness area should be a separate space to a staff breakout or kitchen area, where employees can de-stress, switch off their phone, or even meditate. “Even small part floor workplaces can assign a small private quiet room for multiple uses, with the contents of these rooms or spaces being quite modest,” Mr Gazeley said. 
In Conclusion 
Having the correct balance of office layout mixed with technology, plus incorporating the factors that contribute to overall employee wellness helps to accommodate for the multi-generational workplace of today. Taking these combined elements into account helps to maximise the potential work spaces within an office, and in turn boosts overall employee productivity. Considering generational needs and differed working styles will lead us to being able to design workplaces of the future with maximum functionality. 
Savills is a leading global real estate service provider offering the full spectrum of services from strategic advice to managing assets and projects and transacting deals. Simon Gazeley is an Associate Director within the Savills Project Management team. To learn more about Savills, visit <a href="http://www.savills.com.au/">savills.com.au</a>.
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jrobinson-rf4aSBido9

Workplace fit-out fundamentals that accommodate our multi-generational workforce: Savills

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An opportunity has arisen to lease office space in the Surry Hills commercial block designed by the late Harry Seidler.
It's been called home by the Australia Council for the Arts since it was completed by Seidler in 1999.
They're exiting the 4,435 square metre space which is available at the end of September. 
Seidler designed the building in 1996 and his development firm spent three years creating the six storey building that was modelled on his own offices in Milsons Point.
Those offices won the prestigious Sir John Sulman Medal.
Each floor of the Elizabeth Street block features column free space and is encased by frameless floor to ceiling glass windows.
There are large north facing terraces on levels three and six and west facing terraces on levels three and five.
The Seidler family still own the building.
Knight Frank's Nick Lau is marketing the commercial space.
There's likely to be more rental opportunities given the demise in Australia of low-commission real estate agency Purplebricks who occupy space on level one.
 
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Space opens in Harry Seidler designed office block in Surry Hills 

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EXPERT OBSERVER
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Close to one million square meters of office space will be added to the Australian CBD market over the next three years with half of this new space to be supplied to the Melbourne market, growing it by more than 10 per cent of its current stock. 
With this in mind, along with ​recent reports​ indicating that office vacancy in Australia is falling, there are many reasons to refurbish a building, even more so in urban areas where the usage, aesthetics and sustainability of a commercial asset need to be upgraded to remain competitive. 
During this process, it is important for architects and building owners to focus on what to look for in a space before refurbishing, but this first begins with considering whether a building is ready for refurbishment or not. 
Commercial interiors have a typical lifecycle of five to ten years. Post this timeframe, interiors will start to show wear and tear and become outdated, ultimately reducing the value of the commercial asset. 
Further to this, tenants may choose to opt out of their current lease due to the deteriorating condition of the building and the lack of services and features available, which results in loss of income for the building owner. 
Although there is an upfront cost associated with refurbishing, this is typically balanced out by the stronger yields, tenant retention and higher occupancy levels such upgrades can provide. 
End-of-trip facilities are an example of an interior that experiences wear-and-tear but can be commonly overlooked. These facilities are used daily by tenants who use alternative ways to travel to work and generally comprise of showers, lockers, changing facilities and bike racks. 
When these functional facilities are not up to an appropriate standard, tenants are less likely to feel satisfied with the building as a whole, and will be less likely to re-consider signing on for another year. 
This can also play into a buildings WELL rating, that is, a leading global rating system that has become the leading tool for advancing health and well-being in buildings on a global scale. 
Buildings are assessed by measuring, certifying, and monitoring features of the built environment that impact human health and wellbeing through air, water, nourishment, light, fitness, comfort, and mind - with environmentally friendly choices likely to boost your overall rating. 
If you have appointed a design firm to refresh your building, a typical oversight is choosing to replace, rather than refurbish. Some may view this as a cost saving method, when in fact, this can cost more over the long term with existing services 
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such as partitions, floor finishes like stone or marble, and ceilings, simply retired to landfill, which can in turn negatively impact your WELL rating. 
By reusing existing resources, building owners can expect to pay less over time as the life of these resources are extended, as opposed to constantly being replaced each lifecycle. 
When it comes to taking steps to overcome waste, architects and building owners should always consider input from current tenants and use this information to guide the process. 
Tenant consultations are an effective way to source information about the current state of the building. This information includes what could be improved and what services and features are currently lacking, which can lead to further research into what assets of a similar class are doing to upgrade and retain tenants. This open communication channel with tenants is also likely to improve the overall tenant-owner relationship. 
It should also be common practice for building owners to review their investment strategy and market conditions to better understand their financial position on outlaying costs. Having a clear understanding of this will give them more assurance about how much to outlay to maximise yield in accordance with their investment strategy.
DYAN SISOUW is the Director of EnviroScope Maintenance delivering commercial maintenance solutions. 
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What architects and building owners should be looking for during the refurbishment process: Dyan Sisouw

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Macquarie Park is set to get its first CBD-quality office building with the launch of John Holland’s Macquarie Square development.
The development precinct will launch a new standard for Macquarie Park, creating 117,071 sqm of office space across five buildings, with a new 7,000 sqm public park at its heart. 
Designed to blend work, lifestyle and recreational activities, the development will also feature retail, premium dining, bars, event spaces, a gym and activated public spaces.
John Holland CEO Joe Barr said the launch of Macquarie Square marked a milestone in the company’s history as an integrated property and infrastructure leader.
“We are the owner, developer and builder of this iconic new precinct, and we are excited to show off this modern marketplace for Sydney,” Mr Barr.
“Thanks to the delivery of another John Holland project, Sydney Metro Northwest, Macquarie Park is more accessible than ever before.”
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/6/25/WaterlooRd_View1_REV-B-Less%20logos.jpg" alt="">
Executive General Manager Development &amp; Investments Tom Roche said Macquarie Square presented a huge opportunity for Sydney’s second-largest CBD.
“Macquarie Square is a two-minute walk to Sydney Metro, and will integrate public space, co-working areas, a curated CBD style retail offering, active transport and premium end-of-trip facilities,” Mr Roche said.
“Arriving to market hot on the heels of the record sale of 275 George St, Macquarie Square is an exciting addition to John Holland’s integrated market offering.”
Stage one of the development includes 25,000sqm NLA pre-commitment from the NSW Government.
 The initial building, the Glasshouse, will be complete in March 2020.
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John Holland’s Macquarie Square development launched

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MG Motor Australia has announced 93 O’Riordan Street, Alexandra as the location for the marque’s flagship Sydney metro dealership and office space.
Leasing 1,100 sqm across two levels, the new Alexandria showroom is the first retail space operated directly by MG Motor Australia.'
MG Motor headquarters will remain at their 100 William Street location. 
The new 93 O’Riordan Street MG Motor flagship is leased through Colliers International, with global design retail consultant, Greater Group, delivering the interior design fit-out.  
Kim Nguyen, Sydney City MG Dealer Principal, said, “this new showroom allows us to be a part of the customer journey, while also offering a prime retail position for positive brand exposure – we’re looking forward to opening our new space here, with launch anticipated for Q3 2019.”
MG Motor Australia was recently honoured by parent company, SAIC Motor, as the number one market for sales growth in 2018 globally. Additionally, Werribee MG was recognised as the leading five-star dealership within Australia.
This news follows recent product news from MG Motor, who earlier this year confirmed the marque’s first all-electric vehicle, the eZS, will arrive in Australia in 2020.
MG Motor Australia now has 32 dealerships opened across the country, plus Q1 sales results are 501% up year-to-date, according to VFACTS.
Recently MG Motor expanded into New Zealand, opening four dealers.
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MG Motor Australia reveals flagship Alexandria location

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The residential builder, Maybach Property Group has extended its lease to take the whole floor of an office on Church Street, Richmond.
Teska Carson brokered the Office 1, 577-579 Church Street deal.
The 302 square metre space was let at $156,000 per annum net, an addition to its existing 100 square metre tenancy.
The property comprises a grand foyer, large boardroom, roof top garden with panoramic city views, open plan and partitioned offices, secure access and parking for eight cars.
The lessor is a Melbourne based investor.
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Building group Maybach extends Richmond office lease

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Creative workspace provider Spaces, has been named the winner of the best co-working space in Australia at the 2018 Qantas Business Travel Awards. 
This is the first year that the Qantas Business Travel Awards have given an award for co-working environments. 
CEO &amp; co-founder of Spaces, Martijn Roordink (picutred below) said that "to receive an award from one of the highest rated worldwide and the most popular airline in Australia is very meaningful for us".
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The award-winning office, X street Richmond, Melbourne, was one of the first co-working offices to be opened outside the Spaces headquarters in Amsterdam, Netherlands.
The integrated working environment of the award-winning office consists of desks, tables and booths in an open-plan design with caffeine coming from locally roasted single-origin beans.
Damien Sheehan, head of IWG Australia &amp; New Zealand says that he sees a shift in the workspace landscape in Australia and businesses are now looking closely at what this means for their corporate real estate portfolios.
“We are entering the era of the mobile workforce and it is hugely exciting, not just for individual employees, but for businesses too, there is a workspace revolution underway in Australia and businesses are waking up to the strategic and financial benefits that flexible office space can provide," stated Sheehan.
Today almost 70% of Australian employees are working at least one day a week somewhere other than the office, while 46% of Australian employees work remotely for half of the week or more and one in 10 people also work outside of their company’s main office location five times a week.
Spaces has locations in Europe, Canada, the United States, Latin America, Africa, Australia and Asia.  
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Richmond's X street Spaces wins QANTAS' co-working space award

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The largest leasing deal of the year has seen Suncorp take a lease in Adelaide's newly refurbished 1 King William Street (1KW).
The finance, insurance and banking giant has committed to 4,660 square metres of office space spanning levels four, five, six and 13.
Savills Australia’s Adam Hartley negotiated a seven-year term, with options to renew.
“Suncorp was attracted to 1KW for its ability to accommodate the business’ need for expansive floor space in one building,” he said.
Hartley said Suncorp, which was represented by JLL, was impressed by the property’s location and recent upgrades. 
“1KW has undergone a significant makeover to make it one of Adelaide’s most technologically advanced buildings, targeting a 5.5-star NABERS base building energy rating,” he said.
The ground floor renovations were completed in December which piqued interest.
The 19 storey tower last traded for $38.6 million in 2010.
Prime Super owns 90% of the 1968 building that was constructed by AMP.
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